Metals and energy prices drop

Prices of precious metals fell as the dollar rose against other currencies.

December gold fell $17.40 to $1,307.20 an ounce. The U.S. dollar index rose to its highest level in two weeks, diminishing the appeal of gold as an alternative to holding dollars.

Other metals also fell. December silver fell 55.2 cents to $21.891 an ounce and copper fell 6.15 cents to $3.231 a pound. January platinum fell $20.70 to $1,383 an ounce and December palladium fell $10.80 to $704.10 an ounce.